a great “four seasons” November 30, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : music, soloists & recitals, the orchestra world, add a comment
I am really blown away by how good Elina Vähälä’s Vivaldi Four Seasons interpretation is - plenty of tasteful and imaginative ornaments, brisk tempos, beautiful sound and phrasing. It’s a very mature and probing look at such a familiar set of pieces - if you are at all on the fence about this concert, get off the fence: you will love it. Buy your tickets now, or tell your friends to come, too - I insist!
OSO CL 5 iMix November 29, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : iMix, music, recordings, the orchestra world, add a commentHere’s my list of recommended listening sources (at least as available on iTunes) for this weekend’s upcoming Classical 6 subscription series. (more…)
a sad time November 28, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : miscellaneous, 6comments
Postings this week might be a bit spotty because of a recent loss in our family. Our youngest of two cats, Gizmo, was stricken late Sunday Monday night by a catastrophic blood clot which within the space of about 10 seconds caused him to lose the use of his hind legs. (more…)
a culture for culture? November 28, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : music, add a commentDouglas McLennan has written a very interesting blog entry about his take on the state of the fine arts in this country, which might include the fact that classical music and/or the fine arts might be the next mass cultural phenomenon. Far fetched? Maybe, but his decidedly non “the sky is falling” approach to the subject is laudable and encouraging. A brief sample:
In 1950 there was only one full time orchestra in America. In 1965, there were only three state arts commissions. Now there are 18 full 52-week orchestras, and more than 3,000 arts commissions at the local and state levels. The 1990s were the biggest expansion of arts activity in American history; we went on a construction binge, building more than $25 billion worth of new museums, theatres, concert halls and cultural centers. Since 1990, almost one-third of all American museums have expanded their facilities. Major American museums such as the Met and the Museum of Modern Art are now so crowded the experience of visiting them has degraded.
musicians: convenience over fidelity? November 26, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : music, recordings, add a commentAn interesting article by Anthony Tommasini from this Sunday’s New York Times, which talks about the relatively inferior sound quality of the typical mp3 player (i.e., iPod) compared to a top-end audiophile quality hi-fi stereo system. It would seem to be the triumph of wi-fi over hi-fi. It’s true. (more…)
why recording should be a priority in oregon November 25, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : music, recordings, the orchestra world, add a commentJust read this article about the Nashville Symphony. Discuss.
kogan stepping up in utah? November 25, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : music, the orchestra world, add a commentI just ran across this story from the Salt Lake Tribune about the possible succession of Keith Lockhart as music director of the Utah Symphony by their former principal conductor Pavel Kogan. Kogan was also a candidate for music director here in Oregon, but Carlos Kalmar was chosen instead. (more…)
take it easy - it’s not called Black Friday for nothing… November 23, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : miscellaneous, add a comment
jacksonville update November 22, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : labor issues, music, add a commentDrew McManus continues his excellent reporting on the ongoing lockout in Jacksonville, Florida. Find the complete update here.
Essentially the rhetoric is starting to heat up now - here is what the musicians’ lawyer is saying:
“What [the board] are really saying is it is too much trouble to raise more money,” said Leibowitz. “So the easiest target is to ask the musicians to subsidize the orchestra.”
Happy Thanksgiving November 22, 2007
Posted by Charles Noble in : miscellaneous, add a comment
Have a great day of feasting and family, if that’s what you’re doing today, or just a day of quiet reflection on the good things that have happened in your life this year.
There have been a lot of losses for us this year, but in spite of that, we are thankful to have known and loved those who we’ve lost this year, and give thanks for what they added to our lives. We’re also very thankful to be doing what we love, surrounded by many friends and loved ones, and we look forward to a new year of continued blessings and adventure. We wish the same for you as well.
Charles & Heather
